A common definition of value set will be provided and fully characterized relative to its proposed uses. We will describe, compare, and contrast several approaches to specifying and referencing value sets in a stable manner over time. The term “value set”, although ubiquitous within biomedical informatics has no common definition and has yet to be fully described in a formal manner. It is essential for the design and launch of new ontologies, biomedical informatics applications and data sharing environments that a common and well-‐ understood definition of “value set” is provided. It is also essential that options and trade-‐offs be understood for what type of technology is appropriate for the implementation and usage of particular types of value set for particular use cases
